Kukla's Korner Hockey

While general manager Peter Chiarelli gave winger Michael Ryder a public vote of confidence Sunday, Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs, speaking at Wednesday’s media day, didn’t rule out the possibility of Ryder being shipped to the minors.

“Hopefully we’re not doing that,” Jacobs said of sending Ryder to Providence. “It’s up to Pete. We sure don’t want to see that happen. It’s not unheard of in this organization, but we want to be a little more fiscally responsible than that. But if that’s where you wind up, that’s where you wind up. It’s Peter’s call, really.” ...

With the preseason showing the Bruins have numerous young prospects knocking on the door, and others such as Tyler Seguin and Jordan Caron already busting through it, Jacobs realizes Chiarelli will need to cut salary to accommodate the youth movement. Demoting an underachieving player like Ryder, should he not have a good start to the season, could be the answer.

“He’s got to win, that’s what it’s about,” Jacobs said. “But these people are already in your inventory. You’re paying them one way or another. I think he’s flushed with some very talented young players. I know that’s the way I see it. I know that’s the way he sees it, and he’s got to give them exposure some way or another. How he brings them up is going to be difficult perhaps. “